Want a family getaway that’s a little different? The combination of culture, friendly people, exciting activities, yummy food and stunning scenery make Thailand an ideal family destination. Visit the legendary Bridge on the River Kwai near Kanchanaburi, explore ancient ruins at Ayuthaya, shop in colourful markets in Bangkok and visit an Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai. Introduce the kids to a new world and have a great holiday at the same time on this fun-filled Thailand family adventure.

Travel more, deposit less. Book now with just €50!

Save a space on your 2019 trip with only a €50 deposit until 31 August 2018.

Travel more, deposit less. Book now with just €50!

Save a space on your 2019 trip with only a €50 deposit until 31 August 2018.

GBP50/EUR50/CHF50/ZAR1250 deposit offer must be redeemed between 1 – 31 August 2018 and can be used on any 2019 trip.
Offer excludes Christmas departures from 15 December – 31 December 2019.
The deposit can be used towards any Intrepid small group adventure, Intrepid short breaks and Dragoman trips with the below exclusions: Polar trips – includes all itineraries in the Arctic and Antarctica; Private groups; Eat your way around the world trip; Gorilla treks where pre-purchased permits are required to secure the trek to see the Gorillas. Excluded trips are: YDOU, YXOG, YXOCC, YXOIC, YXOEC, YXOGC, YXOFC, UXODC, YGAG, YGAR; Inca Trail trips where pre-purchased permits are required to secure the trek. Excluded trips are: GGSQ, GGTA, GGSEC, GGTBC, GGSA, GGSD, GGSYC, GGSUC, GGKP, GGTWC, GGFB, GGKY, GGHT, GGCLC, GGHC, GDOP, GDOL, GDOKC, GDOMC, GDOO, GDOB, GDOBC, GDOTC, GDODC, GDOEC, GGBL, GGHC-O; Patagonia trips including the W-Walk. Excluded trips are: GDOD, GDOE, GDOI, GDOJ. Normal deposits apply to these trips.
Balance is payable within 56 days of departure except for Intrepid Adventure Cruising departures which are payable within 90 days of departure.
Full name of passengers must be provided at time of booking. Passengers are not able to hold multiple departures for overlapping dates.
Offer applies to land element of tour only and cannot be redeemed against international flights.
The offer can only be applied to new bookings. Under no circumstances will the offer be applied to existing bookings or used in conjunction with another offer or discount.
Deposit amount is payable per person.
If the traveller wishes to change dates or tours, they will be required to pay the full GBP200/EUR275/CHF300/ZAR4000 deposit towards the new trip. This is applicable even inside the promotional period.
Prices, itineraries and inclusions are subject to change without notice. Standard booking conditions apply as per Intrepid website, www.intrepidtravel.com.

Why you'll love this trip

This trip has a fabulous pace to it. There's plenty of action, and lots of room for quality family time in which to play, swim or stroll in some of Thailand's most amazing coastal and jungle destinations

A long-tail boat trip on the canals is the perfect introduction to Bangkok. Follow it up with a visit to Wat Pho, where the larger-than-life reclining Buddha will blow your mind

The food is excellent, there's a great spread of local restaurants, and your Ban Hua Tung homestay takes the hospitality to the next level, with home cooking and a cultural dance perfomance

Lovely hotels with are ideal for the family, making everyone nice and comfortable in each location

The activities in Chiang Mai are both fun and educational. One minute you're walking with rescued elephants, the next you're walking through the sacred foothills of Chiang Dao learning about natural medicines and wild foods

Is this trip right for you?

This trip is for solo parents travelling with their children only. If you're planning to travel on your own with your child, this trip might be just what you're looking for. It will give you a chance to travel with other solo parents!

Prepare for hot and sticky temperatures during the day, but cooler climates in the evening. Layers are the best way to tackle this. Be sure to also drink plenty of water and use sun protection.

You'll visit several temples on this trip, which means covering up arms and shoulders as per the local custom. A light scarf is a great idea for covering shoulders and arms when it’s hot.

Your overnight train journey (Day 4) is quite long. Make the most of it by checking out the scenery and chatting with local travellers. There's nothing quite like waking up on a sleeper train in a new and exciting destination.

The accommodation is basic at your homestay (with fold-out mattresses and shared facilities), but the experience of spending time with a local family in their home will more than make up for the lack of creature comforts.

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Itinerary

Sa-wat dee! Welcome to Thailand. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you arrive early, there is plenty to see and do in this exciting city. Bangkok is famous for its tuk tuks, khlong boats and street vendors serving up delicious Thai food. Perhaps take a riverboat to Chinatown and explore the crowded streets, uncover the magnificent Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, wander down the tourist mecca of Khao San Road, or indulge in some Thai massage.

Accommodation

Nouvo City Hotel Bangkok or similar (1 night)

Optional Activities

Bangkok - Grand Palace - THB500

Bangkok - Thai Massage - THB250

Bangkok - Thai kickboxing exhibition - THB2200

Bangkok - Jim Thompson's House - THB150

Bangkok - Chinatown Food Discovery Urban Adventure - THB2149

Meals Included

Today you will travel by longtail boat down the Chao Phraya River and explore the famous 'khlongs' (canals) of Bangkok (approximately 1 hour). Life along these canals seems a world away from the busy streets of the capital. After that you will pay a visit to Wat Pho, one of the six most important temples in the country. It's home to the country's largest reclining Buddha, which is a seriously impressive sight. This place is also the gatekeeper of the secrets of Thai medicine and massage. After exploring the site, you and the family will take a local bus to Kanchanaburi (approximately 2 hours) and check into your hotel. The hotel is situated where the Khwae Noi and Khwae Yai rivers converge. Kanchanaburi is home to the infamous 'Bridge on the River Kwai'.

Accommodation

Riverkwai Bridge Resort or similar (1 night)

Included Activities

Bangkok - Khlong boat canal tour

Bangkok - Wat Pho

Meals Included

Travel to Erawan National Park in the morning (approximately 1.5 hours each way). Located on West Thailand in the Tenasserim Hills of Kanchanaburi Province, this national park boasts the incredible Erawan Falls, a famous seven-level waterfall of luminous turquoise pools and exotic tropical fish. It's a great place to explore or simply swim and relax. If you do some exploring of the lush surrounds, keep your eyes peeled for eagles, pheasants or leafbirds among many others who might be soaring above or perched in the treetops. On your return journey, there's the possibility of a kayaking adventure down the River Kwai back towards town, during which you'll paddle under the bridge for a unique view. If kayaking isn't your thing, there are majestic Buddhist temples to explore.

Accommodation

Riverkwai Bridge Resort or similar (1 night)

Included Activities

Kanchanaburi - Erawan Water Falls

Kanchanaburi - Erawan National Park

Optional Activities

Kanchanaburi - Kayaking - THB350

Meals Included

Transfer by minibus to the nearby city of Ayuthaya (approximately 2.5 hours). Once the capital of ancient Siam, Ayutthaya offers a great opportunity to stroll the World Heritage-listed ruins of this once magnificent city. There's time for a guided tour of the picturesque ruins and temples spread across the town. The ruins at Wat Phra Mahathat provide many photo opportunities and the Buddha head surrounded by Banyan tree roots is perhaps the most photographed site in Ayutthaya. Afterwards, board an overnight train to Chiang Mai (approximately 11 hours). You will be travelling in soft sleeper class, as per Intrepid style. Multishare compartments, air-conditioning, bunk beds, sheets and a pillow are provided. There's also a food and drink service on board. Note that your baggage will travel in the carriage with you.

Accommodation

Overnight Sleeper Train (1 night)

Included Activities

Ayutthaya - Temple Ruins Guided Tour

Meals Included

Wake up in Chiang Mai, the most vibrant city of Northern Thailand. As well as amazing temples and an interesting old town, the city is known for its friendly, smiling locals. Drive along a scenic, winding mountain road that ends at an impressive 300-step naga-guarded stairway (approximately 45 minutes). The rewards will justify the climb, as one of Thailand's most stunning temples reveals itself. This is Doi Suthep. You'll be treated to panoramic views of the city from up here. You might also be able to listen to the evening chants of the resident Buddhist monks while you're here. You'll also visit Bor Sang today, a traditional umbrella factory. With free time in the evening, perhaps wander through the colourful night bazaar or visit one of the quality restaurants along the riverfront. In any case, don't miss out on the signature northern dish kao soy – yellow wheat noodles in a curry broth with chicken or beef.

Accommodation

De Charme Hotel or similar (1 night)

Included Activities

Chiang Mai - Doi Suthep temple

Chiang Mai - Traditional Umbrella Factory

Optional Activities

Chiang Mai - Bicycle tour - THB950

Chiang Mai - Thai cooking course - THB800

Chiang Mai - Thai massage - THB200

Chiang Mai - Urban Adventures - Mind & Soul - THB2317

Chiang Mai - Urban Adventures - Mae Ping River Experience - THB2534

Meals Included

Set off early, around 8 am, through Mae Taeng Valley to Elephant Nature Park. The drive is about 60 kilometres (approximately 1.5 hours). This unique project provides a sanctuary and rescue centre for elephants. Greeted by an expert guide, learn about the problems these creatures face in South East Asia. You'll have the chance to see these amazing beasts from the viewing platform where you can give them their morning tea! A local guide will take you around the park where you will get to know the elephants story. Enjoy some lunch before elephant bathing time. Watching these magnificent elephants bath from the river bank is quite the sight. We head off in the afternoon to the warm and welcoming village of Ban Hua Tung (approximately 45 minutes). The community will invite you and your family into their village for the night for a truly unique experience. Be treated to a home-cooked dinner and a traditional Thai dancing performance.

Notes: The Chiang Mai and homestay days may be swapped or shuffled around, depending on the commitments and availability of the host family.

Accommodation

Baan Hua Thung Homestay (1 night)

Included Activities

Chiang Mai - Elephant Nature Park day trip

Meals Included

Bid farewell to your village hosts and head into the forest at the base of Chiang Dao mountain. Local guides will show you around the forest which the local Hua Tung people manage together as part of a new community initiative. The biodiversity of the forest is protected by a sacred 'forest ordination' by Buddhist monks whereby trees are ordained as monks – the people nurture the forest, and the forest nurtures the people in return. There's a yearly bamboo harvest which raises money for the village. The locals take great pride in showing you the development of their village and the many different herbal medicines and wild foods in the forest. Return to Chiang Mai and enjoy free time – perhaps a bicycle ride or cooking class.

Accommodation

De Charme Hotel or similar (1 night)

Meals Included

Today is free for you to explore Chiang Mai before your 4 pm overnight train journey (which heads in the direction of Hua Hin, tomorrow's destination). Perhaps join your leader on a walk through the old city, or take up one of many optional activities. A unique and fun attraction for kids is the Northern Thai Doll museum at Baan Tawai wood handicraft village. Here you'll find a delightful collection of dolls decked out in the colourful costume of Northern Thailand's ethnic minorities. You can also stroll through the serene Queen Sirikit Gardens where the family can enjoy the Butterfly Garden and Insectarium.

Accommodation

Overnight Sleeper Train (1 night)

Meals Included

Take a minivan south to the beach town of Hua Hin (approximately 3 hours). Spend your free time here exploring and swimming in the numerous white sandy beaches by day and indulging in amazing food by night. This beautiful coastal spot is located right by a sophisticated city that has everything you need. But its slickness takes nothing away from the gorgeous beach and blue-green waters, which are perfect to laze around in. Hua Hin was once a sleepy fishing village before Thai royalty made it their beachside getaway in the '20s. Hin Beach is the main strip – grab a coconut, settle in and be sure to sample the delicious thom kha (spicy seafood soup).

Accommodation

Chom View Hotel (1 night)

Meals Included

Today is free to spend as you please. A bicycle tour is always an excellent choice for the family, and there are many nearby vineyards and mountainous trails to explore, depending on how far you would like to venture. You might like to just stay at the beach and soak up the atmosphere of Thailand's original coastal resort. Perhaps stroll north on the main shore to check out some of the opulent Victorian-style garden estates. The day market, Chatchai, is well worth a visit, boasting fresh fruit, delicious donuts and traditional sweetened coffee. The real hit, however, is the night market, and your leader will be on hand to take you there if you wish.

Accommodation

Chom View Hotel (1 night)

Meals Included

Return by minivan to Bangkok and enjoy an afternoon of free time. The shopping is excellent in Bangkok, and the malls sometimes feel like their own kind of theme park. A great option for the family is to take a taxi over to Siam Ocean World to enjoy their interactive show and daily feedings. It has one of the largest aquariums in South East Asia, and its 'Weird and Wonderful' zone is sure to impress the young ones, with striped frogfish, garden eels and gigantic spider crabs peeking at you through the glass. Alternatively, visit the excellent Art in Paradise museum for some 3-D fun and quirky photo opportunities.

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Important notes

Please note that these trips are for adults and children travelling together and there must be at least one child under 18 with you.

Solo Parents: This trip can only be booked with parents travelling solo with their children
Many foreign countries require additional specific documentation to be carried by parents travelling alone with one (or more) child. We recommend that all passengers check the entry requirements for children before travelling by contacting the embassy or consulate of the country you plan to visit.

Minimum age for children on this trip is 5 years old.

A discount of 10% applies on this trip to children 17 years and under at time of travel.

Essential trip information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.